Otago Polytechnic Accommodation Guarantee
Otago Polytechnic guarantees all students a choice of accommodation
and can make the appropriate arrangements if you are studying in
Dunedin.
Where you live can have a huge impact on the quality of your time in
a new city, and for many, it will be a case of balancing your need
for security with your need for independence. Fortunately, most of
the accommodation available near Otago Polytechnic is set up with
students in mind.
Supervised Accommodation
There are lots of advantages in spending your first year in
supervised accommodation, especially if you've never lived away from
home before.
You're more likely to get three square meals a day.
It's an excellent way to make friends.
You don't have the additional worries that come with flatting - like
finding a new flatmate to help with the rent or phoning a plumber
when the taps won't work.
The options for supervised accommodation at Otago Polytechnic
include a hall of residence or partly-supervised flatting.
Halls of Residence
Halls of residence are one of the more traditional forms of
student living, and most residents are first or second year
students. Many students enjoy the collective culture of the halls
and make friendships there that last a lifetime.
The main hall of residence for Otago Polytechnic students is City
College. Situated in the heart of North Dunedin, just minutes' walk
from campus, this is a modern, well-equipped facility which only
opened in 2000. Students from all three Dunedin tertiary
institutions live at the college, and 61 beds - divided into 4, 5
and 6 bedroom units - are available for Polytechnic students. At
City College:
Dining is communal and food is of a high standard.
Linen and towels are supplied at no extra charge, but students are
responsible for personal laundry.
Provision is made for extra tuition and study skills classes.
Recreational facilities and a computer suite are provided.
There may also be some places in other, private halls, including St
Margaret's College, Selwyn College and Salmond Hall, depending on
demand. University halls do not generally take Polytechnic students,
although they may do so if there are unfilled spaces, especially in
semester two.
Partly-Supervised Flatting
For many students, partly-supervised flatting means the best of
both worlds: you get the independence of flatting with the
no-worries advantages of having someone looking out for you.
Each apartment is fully furnished and equipped with crockery,
cutlery, glassware and appliances.
Linen is provided.
Cleaning staff will clean common areas each week.
Four dinners per week are provided. You'll be responsible for your
own breakfasts, lunches and weekend meals.
Station Apartments
Heating, electricity, local telephone and cleaning are provided free
of charge.
On-site residential supervisor and residential assistants provide
pastoral care and general assistance.
Costs are $175.00 per week.
A Student Activities Fund, administered by a committee of student
representatives, funds activities such as weekly sports meets, a
midwinter ball, a ski trip in Central Otago or visits to Larnach's
Castle or the Otago Albatross Colony.
There is also a range of private accommodation options in Dunedin,
in the form of private flats and apartments and private board.
Private Flats and Apartments
From character villas to custom-built blocks, there are flats galore
in Dunedin, particularly in the north end of town. If you want to
get something close to the campus precinct, it's best to get in
early, as these properties are the most popular. However, make sure
you have a good look around, because flats can vary greatly in terms
of value for money.
Student flats cost between $50-$90 per room per week on a full-year
tenancy.
You should allow another $80-$100 per week to cover power, heating,
telephone, food and other expenses.
Otago Polytechnic provides a free accommodation search for students
who wish to live independently.
Private Board and Homestay
If you're moving away from home to come to Otago Polytechnic, but
like the security and routine of a family environment, a homestay
might be the best option. This is when you board with a family in
their home.
You will have your own bedroom and a quiet place to study.
In most cases you will be provided with at least breakfast and
dinner.
Usually you will have to take care of your own washing, and your
host family may appreciate you cooking one night a week, or pitching
in with some housework.
You can still participate in the Student Activities Fund and
activities (see Partly-Supervised Flatting).
All homestay families are screened and interviewed by Otago
Polytechnic representatives.
Oamaru
Accommodation costs in Oamaru tend to be cheaper than those in
larger centres, and some assistance is available to help you locate
a flat or private board. Contact the Oamaru campus for further
information.
Cromwell
There is an independently-managed accommodation complex known as The
Chalets, situated near the Cromwell campus on the shores of Lake
Dunstan. Contact the Cromwell campus for a brochure and further
details.
Each chalet has 14 or 18 furnished single
bedroom/studies, a central lounge and laundry and bathroom
facilities.
All meals are provided in a separate, on-site kitchen/dining
complex.
Queenstown
Unitel Queenstown is a purpose built 94 unit accommodation,
specifically designed to house Queenstown hospitality staff and
students. Each bedroom has it's own ensuite bathroom and is fully
furnished including a bed, wardrobe, desk, refrigerator, coffee
table, chairs, linen, crockery and cutlery.
Advice
For free, no-obligation advice about accommodation in Dunedin,
contact Maurice or Louise at Student Accommodation Solutions. |
